We’re excited about meeting you and hope you enjoy your time at OST

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By Annabelle Therrien

As summer comes to an end, a new season of learning, creativity, and entertainment takes its place. Heading back to school can bring on many new challenges and a strict schedule where balancing everything can seem overwhelming. As a high school student who just started her senior year, going from working with young kids all summer to being surrounded by thousands of teenagers was a shocking transition. To help ease myself into everything, I make sure to have a good balance in everything I do. Whether it be by reading or going out with friends, I make sure to save myself some personal time all while getting my school work done. At the Ottawa School of Theatre, summer’s end brings forth a new year of hard work, fun, and, of course, theatre of all kinds. This year’s theme is Classic Theatre, meaning that classes will explore traditional authors and pieces, such as Shakespeare, Molière, and an array of golden age shows. Through dedication and practice, our fantastic team of actors and staff will work together to put on incredible performances throughout the year.

The Ottawa School of Theatre has been providing a structured and warm community for theatre lovers all across the city since 1989. Putting on nearly sixty shows a year, in both French and English, OST thrives on creating a kind and supportive place for all people – whether you’re 5 or 105! 

Cast and Crew photo from Alice by Heart, 2026. There is a row of eights musicians and their instructor from School of Rock Orleans. In front of them is the cast, director, stage manager and costumer. The actors are all in their costumes. The group pose onstage in front of a blue-toned arch made of cards, with microphones hanging from the ceiling.

My journey with Ottawa School of Theatre started in 2023, thanks to my close friend and a longtime student at OST, Julia Zuppa. When I first heard about OST and Julia’s musical theatre classes, I was a little nervous. I wasn’t sure that I was ready to put myself out there yet, and feared not being good enough. OST has helped me grow beyond comprehension – my communication skills have evolved, and so has my acting, and my ability to thrive in front of a crowd. I am elated to be partaking in my third year of musical theatre with the Ottawa School of Theatre, and I can’t wait to keep on learning, as I become more involved with OST and its community. This past summer, I had the opportunity to be a camp counsellor, allowing me to earn many hours of experience, engagement, and fun! I have gotten to know OST’s people so much better and have formed countless new friendships. Now that fall has begun, I am looking forward to participating in the Advanced Teen Musical for a third time where I will be playing Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz in May. I can not wait to meet even more people, gain more abilities and experience in musical theatre.

The Wizard of Oz isn’t the only show you have to look forward to this year. In early December 2026, our fall All Ages class will present Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (1868-1869), adapted for stage by Matt Buchanan, in the Shenkman Arts Centre’s Harold Shenkman Hall. Rehearsals have begun already, and our cast of over sixty actors  are hard at work to bring the 19th century novel to the stage. Directed by our Artistic Director, Megan Piercey Monafu, the Ottawa School of Theatre’s Little Women is sure to be an unforgettable experience, for both actors and audience, built on fervor and commitment. Furthermore, in the spring, a second All Ages class will begin. Directed by our Senior Teacher, Erin MacDonald, this class will be performing William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1594-1596) at the end of April 2027.

Production still from Anne of Green Gables, 2025. A tall woman in a dress with a red, black and white plaid patter is passing a vintage brown suitcase to Anne. Anne has a crown woven together with small red flowers atop her signature two braids, with a pale green dress and apron. Beside Anne is a lady with a straw hat, with a white blouse covered by an orange-toned floral shawl. She clasps her hands loosely in front of her. Behind them are five young actors with brown vests, and an older version of Anne standing beside Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.

The Ottawa School of Theatre team hopes you achieve your goals and ambitions for the 2026-2027 school year. To all students joining us this year, we’re excited about meeting you and hope you enjoy your time at OST!